How to Winterize a Jet Ski – Learn How to Properly Winterize your PWC

How to Winterize a Jet Ski – When the summer is over and cold days are coming, it is very important for you to properly take care of your Jet Ski. In doing so, you will make sure that your watercraft will be in a proper shape for the next season, before it is time to hit the waves again. Winterizing your Jet Ski will protect the watercraft from the many different elements that can damage it. If you decide not to have it winterized professionally here are some tips for doing it at home.

The number one thing to do when taking your Jet Ski out of the water is to drain all the water from its engine. You can do this right at the dock when the Jet Ski is out of the water. When the Jet Ski is out, start the engine a couple of times, but do not let it run for more than a half a minute. This way you will prevent an engine overheat. While the engine is on, keep turning the handle forth and back. This will drain any additional water that there is in the engine.

Take some time to thoroughly and properly clean your watercraft. Wash the Jet Ski with a special soap or shampoo, something similar to car shampoos. All the grime, salt and algae must be cleaned up because they will cause problems if they are left unwashed in the storing period. When you are done with cleaning, make sure that the watercraft is completely dry before storage.

The gas tank of the Jet Ski should be filled up to the top in order to prevent the condensation during the winter period. Use a gas stabilizer while topping off the fuel tank, because the stabilizer will prevent the gas from getting too gummy. If the gas gets gummy it can damage the carburetor. Common sense advice is to store the Jet Ski away from heating sources, because a Jet Ski with a full gas tank over the winter period can be dangerous if it is near an open flame.

Next thing to do is to coat the spark plugs and carburetor with oil. Spray the fogging oil directly on the carburetor after you’ve removed the air cleaner. Start the engine again and keep spraying the oil on the idling carburetors. After the engine stalls, replace the old air cleaners with new ones. After that, remove the spark plugs from the wires and spray into the holes for few seconds. Put a cloth over the holes and press the start button of the Jet Ski. The engine will not start this way, but it will allow the oil to internally disperse. Clean any additional oil that has dripped and then put the spark plugs back.

The battery must also be removed prior to storage. To do so, disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal and remove the battery from the watercraft. A good idea is to do is to store the battery at a warm place, such a garage. Avoid storing the battery inside your home because there can be some toxic fumes that evaporate from it. During the storage period check out the battery once per month to see its battery levels. You can also attach it to a charger. Be cautious of the storage of the battery and the Jet Ski, having in mind that the watercraft will be full of gas.

Put the Jet Ski trailer in a level position at a place where you want to store and keep the watercraft. One of the better ways to avoid corrupted or flat trailer tires during the storing season is to take the tires off the trailer and store them indoors. You can use concrete blocks to keep your trailer in a level position instead.

If you do not want to remove the tires, then cover them with some kind of long lasting plastic bags. Putting some cardboard underneath the tires will prevent tires from rotting. As soon as the trailer is parked in place, ease off the seat of the Jet Ski, so the air can circulate. This way you will prevent forming of moisture inside. Finally, cover up the PWC in order to keep it protected and clean during the storage period.

Following these simple tips for winterizing your Jet Ski will help you in prolonging the life of your PWC. Thanks for reading our write up on how to winterize a Jet Ski. Before taking on your own winterization project do be sure to fully read all instructions specified by the products you purchase and check compatibility with your machine prior to using them. As always – ride safe!